✈️ What to Pack for Euro Summer: The Ultimate Carry-On Essentials Checklist

Planning a Euro summer trip? You're probably dreaming of Aperols in Italy, island hopping in Greece, or sunbathing on a rocky Croatian beach. But if you’re anything like me, packing light is both an art and a challenge — especially if you’re determined to squeeze it all into a carry-on.

Whether you're catching budget flights (hello, strict baggage policies!) or hopping trains across borders, travelling light makes everything easier. After years of globetrotting — and many lessons learned the hard way — I’ve nailed down my go-to packing list that actually works. Here's everything you actually need for the perfect Euro summer, plus the must-have items I never leave home without (including the travel towel I designed myself).

 

🎒 First Things First: Why Pack Carry-On Only?

Let’s face it — airlines are charging more and more for checked baggage, and delays or lost luggage are the last thing you want when you’re landing in Mykonos with exactly one day to enjoy it.
Packing carry-on only:

• Saves money
  
  

• Forces you to bring only what you need
  
  

• Makes moving between destinations way less stressful
  
  

But carry-on space is precious, so let’s make every item count.

👕 The Clothing Essentials

When it comes to clothes, I stick to versatile pieces I can mix and match. You don’t need 15 outfits — you need smart staples.

My go-to Euro summer wardrobe includes:

• 2–3 lightweight dresses (easy to throw on, day to night)
  
  

• 2 pairs of shorts
  
  

• 3–4 tank tops or tees
  
  

• 1 pair of comfy linen pants (for trains, chilly nights or temple visits)
  
  

• A lightweight button-up shirt (for layering or sun protection)
  
  

• 1 swimsuit (okay, maybe 2)
  
  

• A sarong or oversized scarf (multi-use magic)
  
  

• One “nicer” outfit for dinners or going out
  
  

• Light cardigan or denim jacket
  
  

👟 Shoes?

• One comfy sandal
  
  

• One pair of sneakers or walking shoes
  
  

• Flip-flops for beach days or hostel showers

 

🧴 Must-Have Toiletries (in 100ml or Less!)

I keep it simple:

• SPF 50 sunscreen (non-negotiable)
  
  

• Solid shampoo bar (less mess, less space)
  
  

• Travel-size toothpaste, deodorant, and skincare
  
  

• A pack of wet wipes (you’ll thank yourself)
  
  

• Razor, tweezers, and a few bandaids
  
  

• Menstrual products if you need them — don’t rely on foreign pharmacies for your preferred brand!
  
  

Hot tip: You don’t need to bring your whole beauty routine. Euro summer is all about glowing skin and salty hair. Keep it simple.

📱Tech & Admin Essentials

• Phone + charger + universal adapter
  
  

• Power bank (for long travel days)
  
  

• AirPods or earphones
  
  

• Copies of your passport, travel insurance, and bookings
  
  

• Debit + backup card (Revolut or Wise are lifesavers for travel)
  

🧺 The One Thing People Forget: A Good Travel Towel

This one’s personal — I literally created Nomadique towels because I was so sick of carrying bulky, useless towels while travelling. If there’s one thing I always, always pack, it’s a travel towel — but not just any towel.

Here’s why I designed the Nomadique beach towel with pocket:

• Sand free (no more dragging half the beach into your Airbnb)
  
  

• Quick dry towel that actually dries between swims
  
  

• Hidden zip pocket for your phone, keys, or cash while you swim
  
  

• Comes with loops and pegs so it doesn’t flap away in the wind
  
  

• Super compact — folds up smaller than a t-shirt
  
  

Whether you’re heading to Positano or a Croatian beach club, you’ll need a towel. Hostel doesn’t supply one? Beach picnic? Impromptu swim? Your travel towel becomes your ride-or-die.

And trust me — trying to dry off with a hotel hand towel is not the vibe.

💡 My Packing Tips After 100+ Countries

1. Pack cubes save lives – Organise by category and compress bulky stuff
   
   

2. Roll your clothes, don’t fold — less wrinkles and more space
   
   

3. Wear your bulkiest items on the flight (hello, linen pants and sneakers)
   
   

4. Decant your liquids — no one needs the full-size shampoo
   
   

5. You can always buy things there – don’t overthink it
   

Final Carry-On Checklist 🧳

✅ Passport + docs
✅ Phone, charger, bank cards
✅ 2 pairs of shoes
✅ 5–7 outfit pieces that mix & match
✅ Swimwear
✅ Toiletries
✅ Sunglasses + hat
✅ Travel towel (bonus points if it’s sand free, quick dry, and has a pocket 😉)
✅ Reusable water bottle

Ready to Go?

Packing doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With a few smart staples and the right accessories (like a reliable quick dry towel), you’ll be prepared for just about anything Euro summer throws at you — whether it’s a boat day in Capri or a hostel in Lisbon with questionable linens.

And if you’re still on the hunt for the perfect beach towel with pocket, you already know where to find it. ☀️